The Parachute Regiment Association have been given the opportunity to have plaques added to the existing War Memorial wall at Platform 1 in Central Station Glasgow.

The plaques added are for the 164 Scottish Victoria Cross recipients and it is hoped to take place around September this year.

The Victoria Cross is the highest and most prestigious award of the British honours system. It is awarded for valour “in the presence of the enemy” to members of the British Armed Forces.

Captain Mark Bennie, who is a serving Officer in the Parachute Regiment and reached out to the Herald, said: “I have sponsored Flying Officer Kenneth Campbell VC who was from Saltcoats. He was killed in April 1941 whilst flying for the RAF in World War 2. He was awarded the Victoria Cross posthumously for his action during a mission to destroy a German Battlecruiser warship.

“I am from Stevenston and recall that his family stayed in Kerelaw House, Stevenston for many years. Indeed I remember there was a memorial garden named in honour of Kenneth.

“I am keen to find out if there are any of Kenneth’s family still in the three towns area as I would like them to know that his plaque will be going onto the memorial wall at Glasgow Central Station.”

The Flying Officer was a Victoria Cross recipient in recognition of his bravery after a low-level torpedo attack on the German battle cruiser “Gneisenau” during World War II. The mission cost Kenneth his life but his bravery saved the lives of thousands and played a key part in helping the Allies win the war.

Kenneth was a member of the RAF’s 22 (Torpedo Bomber) Squadron, who attacked the German ship in Brest Harbour on the morning of April 6 1941.

All four of the team died but their heroic actions and ultimate sacrifice were not in vain, as the battleship was out of action for nearly nine months. It is believed that had Campbell not crippled the “Gneisenau”, which had been planning to rendezvous with the “Bismarck” and “Prince Eugen” in the Atlantic, the consequences would have been disastrous.

Kenneth died two weeks short of his 24th birthday – but has never been forgotten. He was honoured by his hometown of Saltcoats in 2000 when a memorial plaque and bench were dedicated to him.

Central Station allowed these plaques to be added to the wall space to raise money for the Railway Charity and the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association (SSAFA) Scotland charity.

If you can help Captain Bennie, contact editorial@ardrossanherald.com.